sport news NASSER HUSSAIN: That is why you should not drop Stuart Broad

THAT is why you should not drop him... Stuart Broad bowled beautifully on day two in Antigua after being wrongly left out for first Test loss to West Indies

By Nasser Hussain for the Daily Mail

Published: 22:07 GMT, 1 February 2019 | Updated: 00:43 GMT, 2 February 2019

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Stuart Broad's performance on Friday did make you think: what was going on in Barbados?

I know it's a different wicket here in Antigua, and not a great one to be honest, but the way he ran in made you wonder how England could overlook him for the start of this series.

On the first evening he bowled well, but if anything just a fraction short and wide — and that's all you have to be in this game to allow batsmen to leave you on length and for the ball to go past the outside edge of the bat when it does move.

Stuart Broad bowled beautifully for England as he took three West Indies wickets on day two

Stuart Broad bowled beautifully for England as he took three West Indies wickets on day two

But resuming on day two with an extra cover fielder, he bowled beautifully. I remember Andrew Strauss saying about Broad and James Anderson that the hardest thing for him as captain was to get them to pitch the ball up because they were worried about being driven for runs.

On a pitch like this, though, you would really question whether, with the experience of 430-odd Test match wickets, Broad would need that protection.

Surely another catcher in the slip cordon was required?

Nevertheless, Joe Root gave him protection and that contributed to a brilliant passage of play. He found exceptional rhythm and it was reminiscent of one of those spells in the past when he has run in and taken three or four wickets in a hurry.

He created chances and half-chances, there was good pace, balls reared off a length and, although you can say that was due to the pitch, you still have to find the right spot on it.

By bowling

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